John 16:1-4
Jesus mentions twice in this little section (verses 1 and 4) why he is warning the disciples about the persecution they will face. It is so they will not be shaken out of their faith. This connects with the role of the “Counselor” as described in John 14:25-27. When Jesus is no longer physically with them the Spirit will keep them in the Truth and give them peace.
One can imagine how necessary and powerful this would have been for the disciples to recall in the wake of the resurrection. It might have seemed that they should be entering an era of bliss, and yet worldly troubles would still haunt them. There is a parallel in this for the person coming into faith, who will find that Christians experience the same kind of trials and disappointments as the rest of the world. The tension may be all the more acute because of the power of darkness that wants to use the circumstances of this world to shake our faith, just when it is most needed.
Prayer:
God, breathe your Spirit in us when something disturbs the expected pattern of life, when peace is fractured and hopes are tattered. Thank you for the support and friendship you provide. Let there be light. In Jesus. Amen.
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4 comments:
...the person coming into faith, who will find that Christians experience the same kind of trials and disappointments as the rest of the world.
This is so true! One of the arguments/rebukes that I heard as a new Christian was "I thought that "X" wouldn't upset you, now that you're a Christian". (As if you stop thinking and feeling!)
But that taunt has a flipside, too. We question ourselves and our faith when bad things happen.
a number of my friends have voiced their suspicion that christianity is an opiate, that i've latched onto it to make myself feel better, as if it were masking the brutal reality of nature and human existence.
People like to sound smart by quoting Karl Marx, but I think that a more careful examination of Christianity would show that it is a faith well-acquainted with the brutality of human nature and the reality of our sinful existence.
(Ok, now I'm trying to be clever...)
There are many instances where we are encouraged to actively work against the brutal reality of nature, Romans 12:2 says that "Do not be conformed to this world [ie. human existence/ status quo] but be transformed by the renewal of your mind to prove what is the will of God--what is good, acceptable and perfect."
Calling Christianity an opiate is a little insulting, don't you think? Now perhaps it's just my pride, but the subtext is "Christianity is only for people who are intellectually lazy/ easily fooled."
"Christianity is only for people who are intellectually lazy/ easily fooled."
Yep, that's what I thought. Opiate of the masses all the way.
I get a lot of "you're the LAST person I thought would accept Christianity."
I also get the "now that you're a Christian" thing. Like I am perfectly calm. And perfect, above mortal sin, above temptation... Wow..... that was easy!
I have to remind myself everyday that I'm not really alone.
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